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Effective methods of treating hallux valgus in adults

Foot curvature in adulthood is not uncommon.The disease manifests itself in childhood and due to various circumstances, few people treat it to the end.Let's see how to fix the situation below.

Causes and risk groups

Outwardly, hallux valgus in adults looks like a person falls inward when walking.As a result, the disease brings discomfort when moving or static pressure on the feet.

The main phenomena that lead to curvature:

  • problems associated with improper development and formation of the lower limbs in the prenatal period;
  • wearing shoes that do not fit as the foot grows;
  • dysplasia;
  • hormonal changes in the body with metabolic disorders;
  • previous diseases (paralysis, osteoporosis);
  • obesity or sudden weight gain due to pregnancy and gestosis;
  • injury to the bones of the foot and ankle joint.

Curved feet can appear in any person, but more often it is women under 35 who stay on their feet for a long time (teachers, models, salespeople, health workers) or people who are involved in athletics.

Hallux valgus

Types and degrees

There are several types of foot deformities:

  1. Static - it is expressed by problems with the spine.
  2. Structurally - due to the special position of the talus.
  3. Compensatory – shortened Achilles tendon with partial transfer of functions to the ankle joint.
  4. Paralytic – after previous illnesses.
  5. Spasmodic.
  6. Hypercorrective - due to improper treatment of a previously identified pathology.
  7. Rachitic.
  8. After trauma and rupture of the ligament apparatus.

Hallux valgus in adults has several degrees of severity:

  • the first is joint deformation with subluxation of the foot;
  • the second is the displacement of the tendons and curvature of the thumb;
  • the third is a pathological process of bone tissue, in which the fingers deviate by 20 degrees;
  • the fourth stage is the peak of changes with the extinction of foot functions and the spread of the disease to the ankle joint and above.The disease brings constant discomfort, which cannot be corrected conservatively.

Symptoms

In adults, the manifestations of plano-valgus feet are as follows:

  1. swelling of the lower extremities;
  2. severe pain (foot pain in the area of the metatarsal bone);
  3. constant corns, blisters;
  4. back pain, posture problems;
  5. fatigue and discomfort in the legs that do not go away with rest;
  6. convulsions, convulsions;
  7. changing shoe size;
  8. external deformations;
  9. deterioration of gait (suspension);
  10. accompanying joint diseases, myositis.
Manifestations of foot valgus in adults

How dangerous is the pathology?

Adults who suffer from hallux valgus have a high risk of developing diseases that lead to disability, because the deformed foot can lose function.

It is not only the upright walking function that suffers from problems: the pathology leads to varicose veins, joint problems, curvature of the spine, migraines, the development of diabetic foot, transverse flat feet and the appearance of heel spurs.

Diagnostics

Before making a diagnosis, the doctor must determine the degree and type of pathology through an examination:

  • History taking and external examination.
  • Palpation of the deformity area.
  • X-ray in three projections.
  • If necessary, CT, MRI.
  • Consultations with specialists when determining concomitant diseases.

Features of the treatment of hallux valgus in adults

Treatment of the disease must be comprehensive and include several methods.The recovery process is long and requires strict adherence to all medical instructions.

Medicines (systemic and local)

Drug treatment is designed to relieve foot pain and reduce inflammation.For these purposes, NSAIDs are prescribed with a dose that is selected taking into account additional diseases, because the drugs affect the functioning of the stomach.Medicines can be used topically in the form of creams and ointments, or in the form of tablets or injections.

If the patient suffers from severe swelling, diuretics are prescribed for a short course (no more than three days).

During treatment, it is important to take vitamins and minerals to strengthen bone tissue and ligaments.

Legs with hallux valgus

Orthopedic devices

This group of products is used to correct and maintain the feet in the correct position.It is recommended that you wear them regularly not only for therapeutic purposes, but also as a preventive measure.

  1. Insoles help the foot distribute the load when walking and are essential in the fight against flat feet and deformities.
  2. Orthopedic shoes are made to order, taking into account the degree of pathology.It firmly attaches the leg, preventing the disease from worsening.
  3. Valgus prostheses are intended for bunions when correction of this area is required.

All orthopedic devices are selected individually after a visit to the orthopedist.

Massage

Massage sessions can be performed several times a year, 10 procedures per course.This manipulation restores blood circulation in the affected area, strengthens muscles and ligaments.

Before the massage, it is advisable to make a warm foot bath with anti-inflammatory herbs.Movements should be circular, rubbing or heating, without additional trauma to the deformed area.

At home, daily self-massage is recommended after a hard day.

Exercise therapy

Foot strengthening training should be started after signs of inflammation have subsided.Before starting physical exercise, it is necessary to warm up the muscles and massage the feet.

Main Complex:

  • Circular movements of the ankle joint, pulling the feet towards and away from you.
  • Lying on your back - imitation of riding a bicycle.
  • Move each finger separately.
  • Toe to toe roll.
  • Picking up small objects from the floor with the foot.
  • Drawing with a marker held in the fingers on a sheet of paper.
  • Spinning a bottle or rolling pin while sitting.
  • Walking on the toes, heels and sides of the feet.
  • Tension and relaxation of leg muscles.The exercise must be performed while sitting on the floor with the lower limbs straight.

Movements should not bring discomfort or unpleasant sensations.The number of approaches and repetitions should be added gradually.

Walking on toes to strengthen feet with hallux valgus

Physiotherapy

A regular course of procedures can alleviate pain, muscle spasms and restore microcirculation in the tissues, as well as strengthen the ligament apparatus of the planovalgus foot, stopping the deformation process.

Basic techniques:

  1. ultrasound - acceleration of metabolism and removal of salt from the problem area;
  2. laser – reduction of inflammation and swelling;
  3. UVT – normalization of blood circulation;
  4. magnet - heats the spasmodic tissue;
  5. mud applications, ozokerite.

You can not independently add or cancel a course of prescribed physiotherapy without consulting a doctor, as this can lead to worsening of the problem.

Folk remedies

It is not practical to treat hallux valgus at home, but alternative medicine can relieve the patient's condition before going to the doctor.

Popular recipes:

  • Pour warm water over the crumb and boil it in a water bath, then cool the composition and take half a glass before meals 3 times a day.
  • Dry the dandelion flowers, grind them into powder, add iodine and apply to the area where the growth is formed.
  • Mix mustard and bodyaga in equal proportions, add turpentine, oil and anoint your feet before going to bed.
  • Knead the propolis, warm it a little in your hands and apply it to the deformation zone.Leave overnight, secure with a bandage.

Surgical intervention

In the absence of effect from conservative methods, as well as in the case of hallux valgus deformity of degree 3-4, surgical treatment is recommended.

Surgical interventions have two directions - traditional and laser.

The first type of surgery is performed under general anesthesia with the application of a plaster cast for several weeks and requires a recovery period.

Laser treatment comes in several forms:

  1. exostectomy – removal of bony growths with correction of the external shape of the foot;
  2. excision of the phalanx of the toe and fixation in the correct position;
  3. arthroplasty - incision of the deformity and, if necessary, joint replacement, tendon transplantation.

Prevention

The following simple measures will help prevent the development of the disease:

  1. Adherence to the principles of proper nutrition.
  2. Eliminating bad habits.
  3. Weight control.
  4. Moderate physical activity.
  5. Organization of proper daily rest.
  6. Foot self-massage and exercise therapy.
  7. In summer - walking barefoot on sand, pebbles and earth.
  8. Use of orthopedic insoles and prostheses.
  9. Comfortable shoes without high heels.
  10. Compliance with safety precautions at home and on the street.
  11. Regular medical examinations.

If you notice the first signs of deformation, do not delay solving the problem.If you start treatment in the early stages, the disease will disappear forever, and the person will return to the normal rhythm of life without pain.